I have the privilege and honor of serving on the Board of the most amazing company, Equessence. It is a horse (or “hippo”) therapy company using horseback riding to improve the quality of life for primarily autistic children, even tho, it also serves children and adults with all sorts of other disabilities as well. The transformation of these children as they ride these amazing animals, specially trained to protectively carry these little riders, is nothing short of magical. Many go from not being able to communicate verbally in any way — to becoming conversational. Some go from not even being able to hold their head up — to being able to sit up for long periods of time. Others find self-esteem built as they bond with these big horses and accomplish goals, and other still find vast improvements in their social skills after interacting with the horses, their instructor, and their riding peers.
I’m so excited about a photo opportunity I will be participating in this Friday. I will be shooting an event called “The Valentine’s Day Massacre”. It is a big, fun event held at the Kendall County Fair Grounds in Boerne, Texas, put on by one of Equessence’s great supporters and friends: The Gypsies — a “rough and tough” (they want you to think that anyway, but their huge compassionate hearts really give them away 🙂 group of motorcycle bikers. There will be acres and acres of all sorts of things happening that will raise funds for Equessence and one other non-profit organization it sponsors.
Can you imagine the amazing photos I’m going to get in a sea of edgy, maverick motorcycle types, along with their kids and the Kendall County community. My new 5D is quivering with anticipation 🙂 And you can bet, I’ll share some of the days events and of course photos on my blog 🙂
The top photo here is a photo of my sister, Judy, who is the founder of Equessence. She is nuzzling up to one of her affectionate, child-friendly horses 🙂 The bottom picture is one of the kids after winning a silver medal at the Equestrian Special Olympics. I think she looks much prouder of the fact that she has made her daddy proud than she is of winning her own medal 🙂
I can’t wait to see your pictures, Sandy. I’m sure they’ll be amazing, as always!